Argentina v /s South Korea

Higuain scored the first hat trick of this world cup to power Argentina closer to round of sixteen. Argentina dominated the match with their attacking prowess and won the match by a score line of 4 -1. Argentina included Maxi Rodriguez in the place of Veron for today’s match. Argentina took control of the match from the start. In the 14th minute, Messi took a curling free kick, which deflected past South Korean defender’s shin for a rather unfortunate goal that gave Argentina 1-0 lead. In the 18th minute, Ki Sung’s shot agonizingly went just above the post. Messi was involved in Argentina’s quest for more goals. In the 21st minute, Burdisso replaced the injured Walter Samuel. Korea struggled to keep possession, as Argentina kept chasing the ball when they did not have ball with them

In the 31st minute Messi took short free kick and played one to one with Rodriguez who crossed the ball into the box, which Burdisso flicked towards goalmouth and Higuain headed home rather easily to double Argentina’s lead. Korea attacked when they got possession, but they were not able to test Argentina. In the 30th minute Sungryong produced a double save. First, he saved a cross that Higuain produced from left and then the forceful shot from Di Maria on rebound. In the 43rd minute Messi mesmerized the crowd with a cool dribbling going past cluster of defenders, but his final shot went over the post. In the injury time of first half, Argentinean defense made a terrible mistake and gifted South Korea a goal. Chungyong made good use of Demichelis’s mistake to slot the ball past the keeper to make it 2-1.

In the second half too, Argentina continued their dominance. In the 51st minute, Di Maria gave a short cross to Higuain and he lashed a shot, which Sungryong saved. In the 53rd minute Tevez cut inside from left and shot the ball at goal that induced a save from Sungryong. In 58th minute, Chungyong gave a great pass to Kihun, but he shot the ball wide and missed a great opportunity to equalize for South Korea. In the 69th minute, Higuain had a shot saved by Sungryong. In 73rd minute Heinze received yellow card for deliberately handling the ball. In the 76th minute, Argentina caught South Korea napping with a quick counter attack. Messi drilled a shot on goal which keeper saved with his leg. However, it hit the post and went towards Higuain’s path who tapped in an easy goal to give Argentina a two-goal lead.

In the 79th minute, Messi chipped the ball and substitute Aguerro took it and crossed towards goalmouth and Higuain headed it safely for goal to complete his hat trick. In the 91st minute Park Ji Sung had a shot saved by Romero. In the 92nd minute, Aguerro had a great shot, which flew past the post. With this win, Argentina has almost secured their entry into the second round. Argentina has shown great intent in going forward and South Korea found very hard to contain them. In the second half, South Korea when in possession did not look like going to score. They had only two shots on target compared to Argentina’s eleven, in the entire match. South Korea will have to beat Nigeria to go through to the next round.

England V/S Algeria

Algeria and England faced each other for the first time in International match. England was expected of winning this game comfortably. Nevertheless, Algeria had other ideas as they attacked England and did not let England to express their game. England made three changes to their first eleven, with Barry, Carragher and goalkeeper James coming into the team in place of Milner, King and Green respectively. While Matmour made it to the first eleven of Algeria. There was nothing much to choose between these teams. The match did not produce any creative spectacle as England had only six shots on target compared to Algeria’s paltry one. That sums up the story of the game.

In the first half Algeria started brighter by keeping possession and attacking England. For the first 20 minutes, Algeria almost kept England in their half. England captain Gerrard had a shot at goal in the 4th minute. In the 13th minute Algerian defender had a bursting run and then whipped a dangerous cross, which James punched away. In the 20th minute, Yebda induced a save from James with his shot. Matmour had a shot at goal followed by Yebda in 22nd minute. Algeria attacked through wings, with some crosses. In the 30th minute Gerrard had shot saved by Mbolhi. In the 31st minute, Belhadj’s shot took a deflection and James saved it. In the 32nd minute Mbolhi dived to his left to save a shot from Lampard. In the 39th minute Gareth Barry took a shot that Mbolhi saved. In the 42nd minute Rooney drilled a low shot from distance which keeper saved comfortably. Towards the end of the first half England kept decent possession.

In the second half Algeria continued their impressive passing. England tried to break down their shackles. In the 58th minute, Carragher received yellow card for fouling Yebda just outside the penalty box. In the 63rd minute Wright-Phillips replaced an ineffective Lennon. In the 65th minute, England had a scary moment as two Algerian players chased Terry’s casual back pass and English keeper James came out to clear the danger. In the 71st minute Gerrard hit a shot on goal that keeper Mbolhi saved. In the 72nd minute, keeper held on to a header from Gerrard. In the 74th minute Algeria replaced Boudebouz with Abdoun, while England replaced Heskey with Defoe. In the 75th minute, Gerrard and Lampard played one to one pass before releasing a ball towards Defoe, which Bougherra cleared with a sliding tackle. In the 84th minute, Peter Crouch replaced Heskey. In the 85nd minute, Algeria’s Lacen received a yellow card for a foul on Wright-Phillips. In the 88th minute, Belhadj took a looping free kick, which James caught safely. In the 91st minute, Defoe shot the ball way over the post.

In short, Algeria without threatening to score, kept England in bay with their overall performance. Rooney had a forgettable day and so was for many other English players. Wide players of England did not make use of the width unlike Algerians. For Algeria Bougherra, Belhadj and Ziani had great game. There were few fouls and only two yellow cards during whole of the match. England gave up ball too cheaply and there were no good co-ordination in attacks. With this draw England have only 2 points and they must beat Slovenia the group leaders to go through to the second round. Algeria with only one point in hand must beat USA for progressing.

Germany V/S Serbia

Spectacular Serbian defence tamed high flying Germans

Serbia sent favorites Germany down to their first loss in world cup group-stages since 1986.After a highflying win against Australia, Germany were on the up. However, Serbia coming to this match after their loss to Ghana showed why they had the meanest defence during qualifying rounds by taming German attack. Serbian keeper Stojkovic had to make only three saves during the match explains the lack of creativity shown by Germans. Serbians had more clear-cut chances to score. Both the teams had almost even possession.

First half was quite a drab affair as both teams struggled to make impression in the attacking front. However, Serbians were adept in their defence and they did not give much space and time for Germans to play their expansive football. At times, they had 10 players complimenting each other in defence. Major part of German attacks was through some long shots. In the 7th minute Podolski after receiving a great ball from Muller, shot the ball wide of the target. Referee hogged the limelight by flashing six yellow cards in the first half to klose, Ivanovic, Kolarov khediera and Lahm. In the 37th minute, he sent off Klose after showing the second yellow card for tackling down Stojkovic from behind. In the 38th minute Krasic produced a dangerous cross towards the goalmouth, which Zigic flicked down towards Jovanovich. He scored it comfortably to add salt to the wound of Germans who were down to 10 players. Serbia grew in confidence with their lead. In the injury time, Ozil’s took a good corner, which induced a save from Stojkovic, and Khedira drilled a shot from the rebound but it hit the post.

In the second half Serbia kept their defensive discipline as in the first half and did not let Germany to get back into the match. Schweinsteiger and Muller had a rather subdued match. Podolski had seven shots on goal without creating any real threat to the keeper. Germany tried to attack bit more even though they were down by one player. In the 53rd minute Schweinsteiger blasted a shot at goal which keeper saved. In the 57th minute Ozil released Podolski with a through ball. Podolski went past his marker and shot it wide. Podolski got into a good position and shot the ball into the side netting in the 58th minute. In a moment of madness, Vidic flew in air and handled the ball inside his own penalty box and he received a yellow card for it. Germany got a lifeline with a penalty kick. Stojkovic guessed it right and he saved the penalty from Podolski. It turned out to be match-winning effort for Serbia.

In the 59th minute, Krasic moved past the defenders from right flank and gave a great ball to Jovanovic, but his shot agonizingly banged at the goal post. Germany brought Cacau, Marin, and Gomes to go for an all out attack. In 80th minute, Vidic gave a long ball from half which zigic flicked on, but substitute Kacar hit that over the post. Germany kept attacking and Serbia resisted it even though they were tired. In the 89th minute Lahm had a cross/shot which keeper saved. Serbia had a scare in the injury time as Germany pushed hard for a goal and German players scrambled for ball inside, which ended with Stankovic’s injury. It seemed that Stankovic fouled a German player and German coach was fuming that referee did not give a penalty. This win has brought Serbia back in frame for second round qualification. Germany, Ghana, and Serbia have three points apiece in Group D.

Honduras V/S Chile

Chile notched up their first win in world cup after a five-decade long wait, at the expense of Honduras. This was the first appearance for Honduras in the world cup in 28 years. The match turned out to be a one sided affair as Chile held major part of the possession throughout the match. With only one striker upfront, Honduras struggled to make any impact in the attacking front. Referee yellow carded Chile’s Carmona with only 4 minutes on the board, for a foul. Sanchez was the main creative force for the Chileans. He had many mesmerizing runs through the right wing with some fancy footwork to create some chances.

In the 16th minute Pavon headed a cross from the right side wide. Sanchez shot the ball from a difficult angle, took a deflection from defender and keeper Valladares tipped the ball over the post for corner. Honduras struggled to hold on to the ball and occasional long ranger shots marked their attacking presence. In the 33rd minute referee showed yellow-card to Palacios, much to the amusement of the Honduras midfielder. In the 34th minute, Beausejour scored to give Chile a 1-0 lead. That attacking move involved a great through ball from Valdivia, which overlapped two defenders and then Isla turned around and shot which Beausejour somehow managed to get it past the goal line. In the 43rd minute, Valladares saved a shot from Sanchez.

For Honduras defender Figueroa produced a magnificent performance throughout the match, he negated many Chilean attacks. In the additional minute of the first half, Nunez had a great free kick from a distance of 31 meters saved by Chilean keeper Bravo. In short, Chile just attacked and Honduras had to defend deeply. In the 64th minute, Valladares saved a header from Valdivia to keep the score line intact. In the 71st minute, Honduras appealed for a penalty as ball hit Ponce’s hand inside the penalty box. In the 75th minute, Vidal had a shot saved by Valladares and Valdivia placed the deflected ball inside the goal post. However, it was ruled out as offside.

In the 89th minute, substitute Welcome hit a ball over the post for Honduras, which summed up the day for them. Coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute M.Gonzalez produced a cameo performance as he kept shooting for goal from long distances with both his feet. Despite the greater possession and continuous attacks, Chile failed to add on to their earlier goal. Due to the lack of attacking impetus from Honduras, Chile had the match in their kitty without much trouble. Chile had 20 shots on goal compared to just 7 from Honduras. Chile now has three points and it will be crucial, as they have to face Spain later.

Group A

South Africa V/S Uruguay

Former world champions Uruguay edged closer to the second round, with a 3-0 win over hosts South Africa, in their Group A match. Diego Forlan turned out to be the star player of the match as he orchestrated the attacks of Uruguay. He scored two goals to set up this victory. South Africa struggled to find rhythm during whole of the match. During first half they had patches of control apart from that, Uruguay had upper hand throughout the match. Though the possession rate was pretty even, South Africa struggled to attack for goals. Pienaar got the yellow card in the seventh minute for disrupting Forlan’s free kick. Tshabalala shot from long distances on many occasions for South Africa. In the 23rd minute Khune saved the shot from Suarez.

 In the 25th minute, Forlan struck a free kick, which hit South African captain Mokoena and deflected into the South African net for a goal. This stunned the South African crowd. However, it did not diminish the spirits to Vuvuzelas’ in the ground. Dikgacoi received yellow card in the 42nd minute after he committed a foul on Suarez. In the second half Uruguay took control of the game from the start. Suarez dived on 51st minute and he was lucky to escape without a card. Forlan attacked mainly from the left side and created many good crosses to the box. South Africa had to chase the game back. However, Uruguay defended from the front and it made difficult for South Africans to keep possession or to launch attacks towards goal.

In the 57th minute, South Africa brought in striker Moriri to have more attacking options. In the 65th minute Mphela headed wide a ball from the corner, a glorious chance to equalize went begging. In the 68th minute, Cavani missed a great chance to double the Uruguayan lead after he miscued a great cross from Forlan inside the penalty box. Cavani had an ordinary game as he shot many balls off target during the match. South Africa had a small patch of possession and attack, which put Uruguayans on the back foot. Suarez faced some tackles throughout the match. However, he clinched a penalty for Uruguay after he fell on the ground after a contact with South African keeper Khune. However, replays suggested that it was more off 50/50 case. Referee sent off Khune showing red card, astonishing him, and whole of the crowd. Forlan scored from penalty spot past the substitute keeper Josephs, to double the Uruguayan lead. Birthday boy Uruguayan keeper Muslera had nothing much to do in this match.

In the 93rd minute Suarez gave a good looping cross from the right side which A.Periera headed for a goal to make the score line 3-0,adding salt to the host’s injury. Following this victory Uruguay leads the Group A with four points. South Africa has a daunting task- in- hand as their next opponents, France is yet to play Mexico. South Africa’s fate will be dependent on the result of that match. This was Uruguay’s first win in many world cup matches. South Africa now holds the dubious records of being the host, which was not able to score a victory after two matches.

Spain V/S Switzerland

Switzerland shocked the European champions with a 1-0 win over them. This is certainly one of the shocks of this world cup as Spain is one of the favorites for this world cup. Spain controlled the match totally with huge percentage of possession and attacking play. However, they were unable to find their way past a resilient Switzerland team for a goal. Spain started the match with David villa as lone striker. In the 21st minute Iniesta had a shot saved by Swiss goalkeeper Benaglio. In the 24th minute, Iniesta gave a great ball to Pique and Benaglio saved his shot from close range. In the 26th minute, Casillas saved a free kick from Ziegler.

Despite having major portion of the possession, Spanish attempts at goal were far and few in between due to the tight defensive set up of Swiss. Iniesta was well marked and he was targeted with repeated tackles throughout the match. Swiss tactics to break down the attack of Spain at the middle of the pitch was a success. Due to series of fouls, Spain was not able to get any sort of rhythm in their attack. In the first half, Spain had only three shots on goal compared to Switzerland’s one. In the 36th minute, Von Bergen replaced Senderos as he struggled with an injury. In the 44th minute, Iniesta provided Villa with a great ball .After outsmarting the defender; villa got into a nice position and chipped the ball agonizingly wide off the target.

In the second half, pain continued to dominate with its short passing. However, in the 52nd minute, Switzerland scored a goal from nowhere with a counter attack. Derdiyok shot the ball towards the goal after the moves started with a long ball from Swiss half and it somehow deflected off Casillas who came too far in front to save. However, the Spanish defenders failed to clear the ball as Gelson Fernandes somehow managed to get the ball roll past the goal line. In the 57th minute, Swiss keeper saved a shot from Villa. Xavi, Alonso, and Iniesta orchestrated the Spanish attack as they tried to sneak in a goal to level the scores. With half an hour to play, Spain introduced Torres and Navas to bring fresh energy into their attack. Torres with his pace did trouble Swiss defenders. He shot some balls off the target.

In the 71st minute, pain had a glimpse at goal for a moment as Alonso’s thunder shot hit the woodwork agonizingly. Navas induced a saved from Benaglio with a shot in the 72nd minute. Derdiyok dribbled past two Spanish defenders and almost had an open goal to aim at, and his measured shot somehow hit the post and deflected back. Huggel tried to score from that, but his show was blocked. In the 77th minute, Pedro replaced injured Iniesta. In the 78th minute, Navas saw his shot missing the post by inches. In the 93rd minute Xavi had a shot saved by Benaglio. That summed up the fate of Spain in this match. Switzerland finally found some luck to clinch its first win against Spain in 18 matches. Though Switzerland was not able to get much possession or attack, they sticked to their defensive tactics to the perfection and it reaped them reward. Spain has to win next two matches to see their chances to progress to the next round.

Name: Dino Zoff

Nick Name:

Place of birth: Mariano del Friuli

Date of birth: 28^th February 1942

Country: Italy

Played as: Goal Keeper

Last Club: Juventus (as player), Fiorentina (as Manager)

Dino Zoff is among the greatest goalkeepers that world ever seen. He kept 1142 minutes without conceding goals in International matches during 1972-1974 period and it’s a  the world record .Zoff led Italy to world cup glory in 1982 and he was the oldest player to win world cup.

Italian giants like Juventus and Internazionale found Zoff to be shorter to their liking, at the age of 14. Zoff started his senior career with Serie A side Udinese, in 1963.In his first season he played only four matches. Udinese found them self in Serie B following relegation. He played 34 matches for them in his second season for them. In 1963, he joined another Serie A side Mantova. In 1965, Mantova faced relegation to serie B. He helped them to achieve promotion to Serie A, in 1966.Zoff played 131 league matches for Mantova.

In 1967, Zoff joined Napoli. Between 1967 and 1972, Zoff played 143 matches for Napoli in serie A. His performances for Napoli caught the attention of Juventus. They signed Zoff in 1972.He helped Juventus to win Serie A in 1973,1975,1977,1981 as well as in 1982.He helped them to win Copa Italia in 1979 and 1983.His Juventus career reached the pinnacle of success when he helped them to win UEFA cup, in 1977. He missed out on UEFA cup in 1973, as Juventus lost to Ajax. Juventus lost final of UEFA cup to Hamburg, before winning in 1977.He retired from club football in 1983.He played 330 matches for Juventus. For many years, he held the record of being the player with maximum appearances in Serie A, with 570 matches.

Dino Zoff made his International debut for Italy, while playing against Bulgaria at the quarterfinal of 1968 European championships. He helped Italy to win the European championship defeating Yugoslavia in the replay of final. At 1970 World cup, he had peripheral role in the Italian team. However, in 1982 world cup, Zoff took the centre stage as he captained Italy. At the age of 40, he led Italy to an amazing world cup win. He won the award for the best goalkeeper in that tournament. He played 112 matches for Italy. He quit international football in 1983. 

Italian football federation named Zoff as the golden players of last 5 decades, in 2003. Zoff turned to coaching in 1988 as he joined them as head coach. He helped them to win UEFA cup in 1990.After shunned out by Juventus Zoff joined Lazio. In 1994, he went on to become Lazio president. He became the Manager of Italy in 1998.His team finished as runner up at the Euro 2000,after an amazing match in the extra period. After the euro 2000,he resigned his post. He later joined Lazio in 2001.He joined Fiorentina as manager in 2005.He left them after avoiding relegation. Dino Zoff is a legendary figure in Italian football.

Dino Zoff Video

Hakan Sukur was born on 1^st September 1971, at Adapazari, in Turkey. Bull of the Bosphorus is Sukur’s nickname .Sukur started his footballing journey with Sakaryaspor. At an age of 18, he made his Turkish league debut. He scored 10 goals for Sakaryaspor in 38 matches. He won Turkish cup in 1988 with Sakaryaspor. He moved to Bursaspor in 1990.He scored 11 goals for them during his stint with Bursaspor. He won chancellors cup with Bursaspor in 1992.His performances for Bursaspor caught the attention of Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Sukur joined Galatasaray in 1992.In his first stint with Galatasaray he won two Turkish league titles during 1992/1993 season and 1992/1994 season. He won chancellor cup in 1995, President’s cup and TYSD cup, Turkish cup in 1993.He scored 54 goals for them during that stint. He moved to Torino FC in 1995.He played only a handful of games for them. He rejoined Galatasaray for second stint in 1995 itself. He played for Galatasaray until 2000, which was a glorious period for them. They won Turkish league in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.He Turkish cup in 1996, 1999, and 2000 with Galatasaray. He won presidents cup in 1996 and 1997 with Galatasaray. He won TYSD Cup during 1998, 1999and 2000 with them. Sukur scored 119 goals during second stint for Galatasaray in 146 matches in his second stint. He was the top scorer in Turkish league in 1997, 1998 and 1999.He won UEFA Cup with Galatasaray in 2000.He was the top scorer in UEFA cup that season with 10 goals. He was in second position for the European golden shoe in 1997 with 38 goals.

He joined Internazionale in 2000.However he was not able to recreate his Galatasaray form. He moved to Parma FC in 2002.There too he struggled to score goals. He won copa Italia in 2002 with Parma. He had an unsuccessful stint with English club Blackburn Rovers during 2002/2003 season. He headed back to Galatasaray in 2003 for his last stint. He won the Turkish league in 2006 and 2008 with Galatasaray. He won Turkish cup in 2005 with them. He scored 55 goals during his last stint with Galatasaray, which ended in 2008.

Hakan Sukur’s best Goals Video

He played for Turkish under-21 team in 1993 Mediterranean Games in which they won the gold medal. He played for Turkish Olympics team, Turkish under-16 team as well as Turkish under-18 team. He Turkey entered quarterfinal of European championship in 2000.Even though he struggled to find the form in 2002 world cup, Turkey finished third defeating host South Korea. He scored the fastest goal in the world cup during that match. He scored 51 goals for turkey in 112 matches before he retired from International football. He is certainly most recognisable among all-time Turkish football team players.

 Totti started his football journey with the youth side of Lodigiani. Later he joined the youth side of Roma in 1989.He made it to the senior time of Roma at the age of 16, in 1992.Totti made his Serie A debut while playing against Brescia in 1993.He scored his first goal for Roma while playing against Foggia in 1994.During 1994/1995 season he scored seven goals. In 1998/1999 season, he scored 16 goals for Roma. He won the Serie A young footballer of the year award in 1999.During 2000/2001 season team was built around Totti’ and he helped them to win Serie A. He helped Roma to win Italian super cup in 2001.Totti won the Serie A footballer of the year award in 2000 aswell as 2003.He won the Italian footballer of the year award in 2000,2001,2003,2004 aswell as 2007.

Totti helped Roma to finish as runner-up in Italian Serie A in 2002 aswell as 2003. He scored 20 goals each during 2002/2003 and 2004/2005 seasons. Even though he missed many games due to injury, he appeared in the final of Coppa Italia in 2006 as substitute, which Roma lost. In 2007, Totti scored 26 goals and became the top scorer in Italian Serie A. He helped Roma to win Coppa Italia in 2007.He won the European golden shoe with 32 goals. In 2008, Totti helped Roma to win Coppa Italia again. Totti has played 541 matches for Roma and scored 225 goals. With 178 goals in Serie A, he is the leading goal scorer among the current active players. Totti captained Roma in many matches.

Francesco Totti Goals Video

Totti started first started playing for Italian under-18 team. In 1995, he helped them to enter the final of UEFA European Under-18 championship and scored a goal, though Italy lost the match. In 1996, he helped Italian under-21 team to win the European under-21 championship. Totti made his senior International debut for Italy in 2000, while playing against Switzerland in a Euro 2000 qualifying game. He helped Italy to reach the final of Euro 2000 and scored two goals in the tournament. Totti played in 2002 world cup. Italy went out of the tournament in second round. In 2004 Euro, he got ban for spitting at Christian Poulsen in the match against Denmark, until the semi-final. However, Italy did not make it to the knockout stage. Totti played in 2006 world cup and helped them to win the tournament. He scored vital goal against Australia in the knockout stage. Totti made it to the all-star team of that tournament. Totti quit International football in 2007.Totti played 59 matches for Italy and scored nine goals.